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The Wanda Washington Student Conference is the premier academic event of the Department of History & Global Cultures at ҹɫÊÓƵ, East Bay. Established as a student research conference and now entering its ninth year, it has grown into a comprehensive scholarly gathering that showcases the original work of undergraduate and graduate students in a professional conference format.

Each year, the conference features multiple concurrent panels that reflect the breadth and depth of historical inquiry at CSUEB. Students present research on global and regional history, migration and diaspora, race and citizenship, environmental change, politics, resistance, cultural memory, urban activism, public history, and digital humanities. The range of topics, from medieval Europe to contemporary social movements, demonstrates the department’s core mission: to foster critical thinking, civic awareness, and historically grounded engagement with the present.

The conference is more than a venue for research presentation. Students publish in the award-winning East Bay Historia, gain leadership experience through Phi Alpha Theta, and participate in professional development workshops that cultivate mentorship and networking skills. The event also highlights community-based research and public history initiatives, reinforcing the department’s commitment to making history accessible beyond the classroom.

A defining feature of the conference is its annual scholarship and awards ceremony. Through the generosity of the Friends of History and dedicated supporters, the department distributes more than $25,000 in scholarships and honors each year. These awards recognize excellence in research, historiography, applied history, and world history coursework, affirming the academic achievement of our students.

Named in honor of Wanda Washington in 2022, following her retirement after decades of dedicated service as the department’s administrator, the conference recognizes her enduring impact on generations of students and faculty. For many years, Wanda Washington was the steady foundation of the Department of History—supporting students, sustaining programs, and helping to cultivate the academic community that defines CSUEB today. Renaming the conference in her honor reflects the department’s deep appreciation for her commitment, professionalism, and unwavering support of student success. The Wanda Washington History Conference stands as a living tribute to her legacy of service, excellence, and care.

This year we celebrate the 9th Annual Wanda Washington Student Conference.

2026 Call for Papers

9th Annual Wanda Washington Student Conference

ҹɫÊÓƵ, East Bay
Friday, April 24, 2026
CORE Library | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Department of History invites paper proposals for the 9th Annual Wanda Washington History Conference, to be held on campus in the CORE Library on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The conference will feature concurrent panel sessions throughout the day. While a Zoom option will be available, we strongly encourage in-person attendance to foster discussion and scholarly exchange. Continental breakfast and a full lunch will be provided.

We encourage all CSUEB students with historical interests to submit a proposal, regardless of major.

Papers may originate from course assignments, capstones, theses, independent research, internships, fieldwork, or interdisciplinary projects.

Submission Requirements 

Abstract (150 words)

The abstract should briefly explain your project in clear, focused terms. It should identify your central topic or research question, describe the types of sources or methods you use (such as archival research, oral history, textual analysis, fieldwork, or interdisciplinary approaches), summarize your main argument or findings, and indicate why the project matters. The abstract should give readers a concise understanding of what your paper examines and what contribution it makes.

Biography (150 words)

The biography should introduce you as a scholar. It may include your major or concentration, academic interests, relevant coursework or research experience, thesis or capstone focus (if applicable), and future academic or professional goals. You may also mention internships, publications, public history work, or other experiences that connect to your research. The biography helps the audience understand your background and interests.

Accepted presenters will deliver a 10–12 minute presentation as part of a themed panel.

Proposal Due Date: Friday, March 27, 2026

Past Conference Programs

2025 Conference Program

2024 Conference Program 

2023 Conference Program

2022 Conference Program

2021 Conference Program

2019 Conference Program

2018 Conference Program

2017 Conference Program